Top 5: India's most Powerful CEOs

In a survey conducted by ET and IMRB, business leaders who are well-recognised by people for their efforts in shaping Corporate India were identified and a comprehensive list of the most powerful CEOs of India Inc was made.Here are the top 5.

1. Chanda Kochhar, ICICI Bank

Started her career with: ICICI Bank, straight out of B-schoolBragging Rights: A regular fixture on Global 'Most Powerful Women' lists since 2005Leadership Style: Meticulous, demands excellenceLittle known fact: Used to read the Satyanarayan Katha everyday. Now reads it fortnightly because of time constraints

2. Azim Premji, Wipro

Started his career with: Wipro, whose reins he took after dropping out of Stanford at 21, following the sudden demise of his father (he completed his degree over 30 years later). At that time, Wipro made hydrogenated cooking fatLeadership style: Knows every small detail of his businesses, but does not interfere with everyday operations of the various independent business heads Act of do-goodery: Transferred 8.6% of his stake in the company worth about Rs 8,646 crore to the Azim Premji Foundation. This is the biggest act of individual philanthropy in IndiaLittle known fact: Wipro is the second-largest hydraulic cylinder company in the world

3. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Aditya Birla Group

First Steps: Scion of the Birla family, he took over as Chairman of the group after the sudden demise of his father, Aditya Birla, in 1995 Bragging Rights: At 28, he became the youngest Indian to chair a multi-billion dollar conglomerate and has successfully steered the highly diversified AV Birla ship through thick and thinLittle Known Fact: He learnt how to shoot with a rifle three years ago and is now shooting with the camera.

4. Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries Limited

Bragging rights: The second-richest man in Asia, he heads the largest Indian private sector conglomerate. Also, owner of the second-richest sports club in the world (Mumbai Indians), according to Forbes Leadership style: Relationship-based, entrepreneurial Big indulgence: Antilia, the $2billion home he's built on Altamount Road, Mumbai

5. Ratan Tata, Tata Sons

Started his career with: Tata Steel, on the shopfloorLeadership style: Aloof and understated, but always on the ball Little Known Fact: Upon graduating, he turned down an offer from IBM on the advice of JRD Tata Famous Quote: "I don't believe in taking right decisions. I take decisions and then make them right"